Panthers strike at LV senior night

Chapman center Ivory Hallstein reaches to defend a pass by senior forward Teresa Fatai halfway through the first half. The game was tied 9-9, but the Leopards lost 59-41 in their final game of the season. With the loss, the Leopards did not qualify for playoff contention. / photo by Amanda Nieto

The women’s basketball team ended its season after suffering a 59-41 loss to Chapman Saturday at Frantz Athletic Court.

The Leopards could not contain Chapman senior guard Kimi Takaoka.

Takaoka scored all of her 15 points in the second half, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the floor.

“Although we didn’t get the results we wanted, I was proud that our team never gave up,” senior guard Megan Musashi said. “Each person went out fighting and there is nothing more that we could’ve asked for.”

With the game tied at 18 heading into the second half the Panthers outscored the Leopards 41-23 to clinch the victory.

Chapman shot 68.2 percent in the second half. Chapman’s defense held the Leopards to 32.7 percent shooting overall and 16.7 percent from three-point range.

No Leopard player scored more than eight points. The Panthers also won on the boards outrebounding the Leopards 43-26.

With the loss, the Leopards placed fifth in the conference standings and on the outside looking in for playoff contention.